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In the face of the extreme stress that a Category 4 or 5 hurricane surely will create, those human virtues are essential for everyone to remember.

That was an important message delivered Wednesday by the leadership team to Collier County commissioners as they declared a local state of emergency but didn’t immediately start mandatory evacuations.

We’re all in this together, and that’s not just those of us who reside in Southwest Florida. It’s also true for visitors from Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties who may flee here if devastating Hurricane Irma continues its shift in track that occurred into Wednesday morning.

Should Irma’s track hug the east coast or push farther into the Atlantic, we’re still under a threat but not to the degree that we faced a couple of days ago when some computer models had the storm targeting us.

Nature could have – and still could – turn the tables and bring Irma more toward us. However, if we instead become hosts for evacuees, let’s be memorable ones and the type of hosts we would want to encounter if circumstances were otherwise and took us elsewhere.

We’ve seen time and again what our community can accomplish when it rallies together to support a common cause or concern.

For those who stay close to home, it’s time for patience, kindness and helpfulness, perhaps not just for the next few days but potentially for ensuing weeks of recovery.

“Be nice to one another. We need to help one another,” Collier Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said during Wednesday’s emergency commission meeting, noting some conflicts had occurred as customers tried to stock up on supplies. “It’s stressful for everyone but we’ll get through it.”

Preparation

The depleting of supplies such as water and batteries from shelves and the “out of service” bags on gasoline pumps tell us the area’s residents took preparations for this storm seriously. It’s still two to three days away from arrival.

We’re not out of available gas and, yes, service stations will get replenished, Summers said.

“It’s early preparation,” he said of the drain on gasoline.

Don’t panic

The tendency may be to instantly think that what you are experiencing is an emergency. But is it really? Don’t call 911 to ask questions.

Instead, the Collier County Bureau of Emergency Services has opened the Collier Information Hotline, so call 239-252-8444 if you have a question. That way 911 can be for a medical or law enforcement emergency, just as it should be when we’re not in the five-day cone for Hurricane Irma.

Again, be patient and kind. The individuals on the end of the line are there to help you. They are providing a tremendous public service. These folks likewise have homes and loved ones but they’re on the other end of the phone line to help you instead. Be considerate.

There comes a time when conditions deteriorate too much for emergency responders to venture out. Even if we don’t take the brunt of a direct hit from a Category 4 or 5, trees will come down in a tropical storm and block streets that could prevent an immediate response. First responders will get to you as quickly as they safely can.

Rambosk noted that there are many in Southwest Florida with airboats, boats and off-road vehicles willing to help if the need arises. We’re in an era when law enforcement agencies have to be cautious about the civilians they enlist, so don’t be offended if any type of background check is needed before you assist. Patience and understanding may be necessary for you to be cleared to offer your help.

In the face of any emergency like a hurricane: patience, kindness and helpfulness. That’s what it takes. But as Rambosk said, “We’ll get through it.”